What is the significance of candys dog in of mice and men

Why does Curley wear a glove on one hand? What does Slim do at the ranch? The old man came slowly into the room. He had his broom in his hand. And at his heels there walked a dragfooted sheep dog, gray of muzzle, and with pale, blind old eyes.

The dog struggled lamely to the side of the room and lay down, grunting softly to himself and licking his grizzled, moth-eaten coat. Stinks like hell, too. I can smell that dog a mile away. The old man squirmed uncomfortably. He is also quite old, and readers can infer that as a result, he is also weak.

This is in contrast to the many younger and stronger ranch hands he lives with. Candy's dog is also very old and is in very bad condition. Candy has had the dog since he was a puppy and is very attached to him. The dog is all Candy has in the world. He does not have friends on the ranch. The transient nature of the ranch hands would make it difficult to have friendships. He has seen many people come and go, but his loyal dog remains constant in his life.

Carlson says the following about Candy's dog: That dog of Candy's is so God damn old he can't hardly walk. Stinks like hell, too. Ever' time he comes into the bunk house I can smell him for two, three days.

Why'n't you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up? I can smell that dog a mile away. Got no teeth, damn near blind, can't eat. Candy feeds him milk. He can't chew nothing else. A dog in the condition described above has no usefulness on a working ranch. Candy's dog was very useful as a herding dog.

But like Candy, he has outlived his usefulness. The dog also reflects Candy's fear that he will be put out by society because he can barely earn his keep. That dog ain't no good to himself.

I wisht somebody'd shoot me if I get old an' a cripple. I'd put the gun right there. He wouldn't even quiver. The quote above illustrates Candy's attachment to the dog and the responsibility he feels to be loyal to him and care for him, even in his old age. Related Characters: Slim speaker , Candy , Carlson. Related Themes: The Weak and the Strong. Page Number and Citation : 45 Cite this Quote. Explanation and Analysis:. Related Characters: Candy speaker , Carlson speaker.

Related Characters: Candy speaker , George Milton. Related Themes: Male Friendship. Page Number and Citation : 61 Cite this Quote. Part 6 Quotes. Related Themes: Broken Plans. Page Number and Citation : Cite this Quote. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Part 2. George accuses Candy of eavesdropping. Slim introduces him to George and Lennie as Carlson. Carlson asks Slim whether his dog had her litter of puppies yet, and Slim says she gave birth last night. George tries to calm Lennie down by urging him to hurry and wash up for Part 3.

Lennie comes into the bunk house, breathless with joy over his new puppy , and lies down on his bed. Candy comes into the bunk house, his old dog trailing behind him.